Valentine’s Day Races and Marathons

Training for and competing in a Valentine’s Day run or marathon is a great way for you and your sweetheart not only to get into shape, but to strengthen your bond. More, your spouse or significant other will be touched by your creativity in coming up with a mutual marathon for the big day of love. You don’t have to start with a half-marathon or even a 10K. Plenty of runs listed here limit the exhaustion factor to 3 miles and or even 1.5! Start planning your Valentine’s Day run, half-marathon or marathon now so you deliver your best performance once that gun goes off.

Because of work and school schedules, many of these races take place on the weekend before Valentine’s Day and not on Sunday, February 14, the day itself. Whether you choose Florida’s Kiss ‘em to the Finish 8K or Las Vegas’ Love on the Run 10 miler, use this comprehensive list of Valentine’s Day runs, walks, half-marathons and marathons to find the perfect mutual fitness activity near you.

Notes:

Many of these races get pricier as the date nears. For instance, the San Dieguito race costs $63 before December 1, then $70 before January 1, then $80 before January 27 and $85 after. Plan early.

While some races have day-of-race registration, others sell out weeks in advance or only take early, online registration. Make sure to go to the organizer’s site and get all the details.

Make sure you’re on the registration page for the right YEAR of the race. Smaller organizations can leave prior pages up for years, causing confusion over dates and locations.

Check “packet” pick-up dates and times for individual races. Packets are typically involved with the more serious races where runners are looking to establish new time goals. They include runners’ bibs or numbers, course maps, timing chips and other race information. Some races insist participants pick packets up one to two days ahead.

Even if online or mail pre-registration is not required and you plan to register on the day of the event, check the event’s home page a day or so before the race for an updates or changes.

Run with your sweetheart or pick a new one out of the crowd while running in Glendale’s Annual Sweetheart and Singles Valentine’s Day Run. A two-night stay at the Hampton Inn at Westgate City Center goes to one lucky entrant. For the rest, Hampton Inn is offering a romantic night in Glendale at discount rates.

Celebrating its 15th year, this fun event contains three different races. The four mile couples’ relay requires two team members run two miles each. There’s also a four mile ramp run for individuals and a two mile walk/jog intended for the whole family (and their strollers if need be.) Join the happy couples and families at this light-hearted outdoor celebration in Tucson.

Fitness skirt manufacturer, Skirt Sports and other sponsors mix running, flirting and entertainment in this exciting social opportunity. Women get a three minute head start in shirts the backs of which bear enticements like, “Catch Us If You Can!” While established couples find the race a great alternative to the typical night out for dinner, this event also encourages Tempe single men and women to show up as chasers and chasees as well!

An hour and a half away from Arkansas capital Little Rock, Russellville hosts a Valentine’s Day 5K race that’s been operating since 1984. In both the Married Sweethearts and Unmarried Sweethearts Division, the finishing times for the team members are added together and compared to those of other pairs to determine the race winner. The Valentine’s 5K also features male and female individual races.

A picture-perfect course that’s also completely flat, the Coronado 10K winds along the shoreline, around a stunning golf course and through million-dollar, gingerbread cottages that cover the island. Want more? How about $2,500 in prize money for the top three overall male and female runners and $2,500 for the top male and female over 40? Right over the bridge from downtown San Diego, Coronado is conveniently located near more art, music and shopping than you can shake a sneaker at (not to mention the world famous San Diego Zoo).

Entry Fee & Close:: $35 – $55 adults, $15 for children. Runners must register by 7:15 Sunday, February 12 to race. Those wanting a packet have to pick it up by Saturday Feb 11. Walkers can register between 7:00 – 8:00 Sunday February 12.

Get the dog walked and the sweetheart entertained all in one afternoon. After all, many couples bond over their pets, so why not a Valentine’s Day event that includes the Fur Child. This Del Mar race benefitting abandoned dogs, cats, rabbits and even horses features separate courses for runners and walkers. Dogs are welcome. Once it’s finished, walkers and runners cool off in the Wagging Wellness Village where vendors, food stands and entertainment help to raise even more money for orphan pets.

Entry Fee & Close: $16 for children and $25 for adults for registration before

Wednesday, February 8

This may be the perfect race for the couple that with activism at the heart of their relationship. The Race for Justice Valentine Run benefits the Legal Services of Northern California, an organization that aids 500,000 under-represented often impoverished citizens of Northern California. Organizers welcome dogs, strollers, kids and more, featuring ¼ and ½ mile fun runs for the littlest activists of Sacramento.

Benefitting the San Diego County Park system, this course starts in the San Dieguito County Park and winds through the elegant and upscale neighborhood of Rancho Santa Fe before finishing back in the park.

Following the Pacific Coast, this course gives runners views of the spectacular Marin Headlands with views of Tiburon, San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. The first male and female overall finishers and top three in each age category receive awards.

Denver is one of the 6 cities in the U.S. that supports The Children’s Tumor Foundation through Cupid’s Undie Run. The “undie” run features intrepid runners wearing long johns and other undergarments running a short distance (1 – 1.5 miles) in the cold. Runners start in bars for a little “fuel” before heading out into the February afternoon. The race ends back at the bar for more festivities and awards. The Children’s Tumor Foundation strives to discover causes of and treatments for Neurofibromatosis, which affects one in every 3,000 children born in the United States. Cupid’s Undie run not only sets the stage for sweethearts to enjoy a unique Valentine’s Day, it gives singles an immediate shared history! (“Did you slip on that ice patch on 4th? I sure did.”)

Entry Fee & Close: Register online before Thursday, February 9 for $35 per person or $50

when registering at race between 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. day of run

Cupid’s Chase 5K runs are organized by non-profit Community Options, Inc. which develops community-based homes and employment for people with disabilities. Hartford is one of the 25 cities in the U.S. that supports Community Options through Cupid’s Chase Valentine’s Day runs.

With the warning, “Please. No arguments or lovers’ spats on race day. Save them for your private times,” perhaps the YMCA has done this race a time or two. While it encourages couples teams, the YMCA even lets avid runners partner with someone who is their running mate rather than their romantic mate. In these cases, sweethearts are welcome to shout from the sidelines. Run individually or as a team in this Stratford event.

Entry Fee & Close: Register online before Thursday, February 9 for $35 per person or $50

when registering at race between 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. day of run

Cupid’s Chase 5K runs are organized by non-profit Community Options, Inc., which provides community-based homes and employment support for people with disabilities. Dover is one of the 25 cities in the U.S. that supports Community Options through Cupid’s Chase.

Washington is one of the 5 cities in the U.S. that supports The Children’s Tumor Foundation through Cupid’s Undie Run. The “undie” run features intrepid runners wearing undergarments and running a short distance (1 – 1.5 miles) in the cold. The race starts at noon for a little “fuel” before heading out into the February afternoon at 2:00. The race ends back at the bar for more festivities and awards. The Children’s Tumor Foundation strives to discover causes of and treatments for Neurofibromatosis, which affects one in every 3,000 children born in the United States. Cupid’s Undie run not only sets the stage for sweethearts to enjoy a unique Valentine’s Day alternative, it gives singles an immediate shared history! (“Did you slip on that ice patch on 4th? I sure did.”)

Participants run the 3.1 mile track around Cory Lake (north of University of South Florida in Tampa) in either the 5K Disaster Dash, the 10K Hurricane Hustle or the Tornado Trot Children’s Race. Tampa runners or supporters with the best “Disaster Themed” attire win prizes.

Atlanta is one of the 6 cities in the U.S. that supports The Children’s Tumor Foundation through Cupid’s Undie Run. The “undie” run features intrepid runners wearing undergarments and running a short distance (1 – 1.5 miles) in the cold. The race starts at noon for a little “fuel” before heading out into the February afternoon at 2:00. The race ends back at the bar for more festivities and awards. The Children’s Tumor Foundation strives to discover causes of and treatments for Neurofibromatosis, which affects one in every 3,000 children born in the United States. Cupid’s Undie run not only sets the stage for sweethearts to enjoy a unique Valentine’s Day alternative, it gives singles an immediate shared history! (“Did you slip on that ice patch on 4th? I sure did.”)

Entry Fee & Close:: $35.00 before January 28, $45.00 after January 28. Registration

closes midnight, Thursday, February 9

If you’d prefer to keep the jogging suit on, just 27 miles north of Atlanta in Lithia Springs, Sweetwater Creek State Park offers a half marathon on winding trails ranging from easy to difficult. The time limit of 3.5 hours gives walkers from Douglas County and Lithia Springs a do-able 16 minutes to complete each mile.

Entry Fee & Close:: Register online before Thursday, February 9 for $35 per person or $50

when registering at race between 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. day of run

Cupid’s Chase 5K runs are organized by non-profit Community Options, Inc. (COI) which develops community-based homes and provides employment support for people with disabilities. Chicago is one of the 25 cities in the U.S. that supports Community Options through Cupid’s Chase.

Look out, Highland Park. If ever a running event was a singles’ mixer, this one would be it. Organizers encourage participants to wear costumes indicating whether they are either Cupid’s Sweethearts (in a relationship), Cupid’s Singleton (single, but looking for luv and running with a friend) or Cupid’s Lone Solo (Running Solo and not looking for love). Stations stocked, not with Gatorade and endurance gel, but heart-shaped candies. Refuel with cocoa and cookies at the finish line.

Make Valentine’s Day weekend extra special for your sweetheart by signing you both up for Des Moines Red Flannel Run. February in Iowa requires red flannel and if you can fashion that fabric into its most amatory form, the two of you will win the race’s Icy Cupid Award for best dressed couple in Valentine’s Day apparel. There are also Penguin, Iditarod, Igloo and Frosty Cubicle awards. When doing Valentine’s Day outdoors in Des Moines, couples need red flannel, either over or under their other warm layers!

Entry Fee & Close:: Register online before Thursday, February 9 for $35 per person or $50

when registering at race between 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. day of run

Cupid’s Chase 5K runs are organized by non-profit Community Options, Inc. which provides community-based homes and employment support for people with disabilities. Murray and Bowling Green are two of the 25 cities in the U.S. that support Community Options through Cupid’s Chase.

Calling all lovers and runners in Mandeville! Could any Valentine’s Day event top a full moon run? 6.2 miles under the stars together with matching headlamps could prove one of your most memorable. Post-race activities include music, awards and more.